HANDGUNS

We have received numerous requests about from people wanting to relocate about Costa Rica's handgun laws. First check with your airline about their policy on packing guns in your luggage. In order legally have a handgun it must be registered with the Departmamento de Armas y Explosivos (Department of Arms and Explosives). If you bring your weapon from the States you will have to pay taxes. They can range sometimes from 50 to 100 percent of the new value of the weapon.

You can avoid said taxes on imported weapons by obtaining a sworn statement (declaración jurada) from a lawyer saying someone gave you your weapon. This way you won't have to pay the taxes. However, if your purchase your weapon in Costa Rica the taxes are included in the price. Expect to pay about double for a handgun in Costa Rica. If you fail to register your gun you there will be serious legal repercussions if you are caught with an unregistered weapon.

Once you have registered a handgun it is illegal to carry it unless you have a special permit or Permiso de Portación de Armas. In order to get a permit you have to be a legal resident or have a Costa Rican Corporation. You may register the gun through the latter. In addition you have to take both a psychological test to see if you are suited to own a gun. Finally, you have to show a qualified instructor that you know how to use your gun by shooting at some targets.